Coves de Sant Josep
Valenciana, Comunidad
Coves de Sant Josep, located in Vall de Uxó, Castellón, Spain, is a remarkable natural cave system carved in limestone during the Middle Triassic period. It hosts the longest navigable underground river in Europe, stretching about 2,750 meters. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 20°C year-round, offering a unique environment for visitors. Its vast galleries include notable areas such as the Sala de los Murciélagos (Bat Room), Lago Diana, and the Galería de los Sifones (Siphon Gallery). The site combines natural beauty with archaeological significance, as it has been known since the Upper Paleolithic era, evidenced by Magdalenian cave paintings and proximity to an Iberian settlement dating back to the 6th century BC. Visitors can explore the caves by boat, enjoying spectacular geological formations sculpted over millions of years. The site also offers adventurous activities like speleokayaking and cultural events such as exclusive concerts inside the cave. Surrounding the caves, visitors can find green areas, sports zones, playgrounds, and an Iberian village reconstruction, making it a comprehensive destination for nature, history, and leisure.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during spring or early autumn when the weather is mild and the caves are comfortably accessible. Booking tickets in advance online is recommended to avoid queues, especially for boat tours and special events. Discounts are often available for groups, children, and seniors. The site provides parking, picnic areas, and facilities suitable for families. Consider combining your visit with a tour of the nearby Iberian village to enrich your cultural experience.
Interesting facts
- •Coves de Sant Josep hosts the longest navigable underground river in Europe, approximately 2,750 meters long.
- •The cave's interior maintains a stable temperature of about 20°C throughout the year.
- •Archaeological evidence shows human presence since the Upper Paleolithic period, including Magdalenian cave paintings.
- •The cave system was progressively explored and expanded throughout the 20th century, including underwater passages opened by dynamite.
- •The nearby Iberian village dates back to the 6th century BC, adding historical depth to the natural site.
History
The caves have been known since at least the Upper Paleolithic period, about 17,000 years ago, as evidenced by archaeological finds and cave paintings.
Historically referenced by 18th and 19th-century scholars like J.
Cavanilles and Pascual Madoz, the caves were explored progressively from the early 20th century onward.
Initial exploration in 1902 reached the Boca del Forn, with further explorations in 1915 and 1926 expanding accessible areas.
Significant developments occurred between 1936 and 1950 with urbanization efforts, including dredging and construction to facilitate boat tours.
Speleological expeditions in the 1950s and 1970s mapped and extended the known length of the cave system to over 2,300 meters.
The site is recognized as a cultural heritage landmark (Bien de Interés Cultural).
Place Guide
Sala de los Murciélagos (Bat Room)
The first large chamber accessible from the cave entrance, named for the bats inhabiting the area. It serves as a gateway to deeper parts of the cave and features impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Lago Diana (Diana Lake)
A serene underground lake reached after passing the Boca del Forn, notable for its clear waters and surrounding geological formations shaped over millennia.
Galería de los Sifones (Siphon Gallery)1961
An originally flooded siphon that was the previous limit of exploration until dynamite was used to open the passage in 1961, allowing access to further galleries including the Estanque Azul and Galería Seca.
Iberian Village Reconstruction6th century BC
An archaeological site near the caves featuring a reconstructed Iberian settlement dating from the 6th century BC, providing cultural context to the area's ancient human activity.
Contact
Phone: 964 69 05 76
